My great grandfather, Terrence D. Sullivan, was born in 1865 in Loughfouder,Knocknagoshel County Kerry, Ireland. 100 years later I came along. As I prepare for my pilgrimage to the O’ Sullivan reunion and homestead I cannot help but stop and reflect upon the man I know so much, but yet so little about. Terrence Daniel Sullivan, son of James & Mary Connor O’ Sullivan was born in the year 1865. When he was 15 years of age he came to America.

While in America he worked as a harness maker in Washington, DC. It has been passed down thru family lore that he used the famous Irish stitch on the saddles he made.

In 1888, he married Josephine Bridget Fealy. They would go on to have 9 children total with only three surviving to adulthood; one being my grandmother – Cecilia Sullivan.

I can’t keep my mind from wandering of the genealogical treasures that await in Loughfouder. Will there be any evidence that my great grandfather once roamed the hills. Perhaps initials carved in the stone wall surrounding the homestead. Perhaps a note he sent home neatly tucked in the family bible.

I depart in just a few days and I will share with you my journey back to County Kerry, Ireland for the O’ Sullivan Family reunion. I can’t help but feel the smiling eye’s of Terrence and Cecilia beaming down upon me.